VCAL Coordinator's Resource Kit
Employer Information
What is VCAL?
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12. It gives students practical work related skills, as well as the literacy, numeracy and personal skills they need to take them into further training or their ideal job. And like the VCE, it is an accredited senior secondary qualification.
Applied (hands-on) learning is an integral part of the VCAL curriculum. It provides students with real life experiences and direct exposure to industry.
VCAL also provides Victorian businesses with an opportunity to attract young people who want to take up an apprenticeship, employment or continue with their training.
VCAL increases pathways for young people into training and work
Through a focus on ‘hands-on’ learning, VCAL students are equipped to make informed choices about their future career direction. This helps them decide whether an apprenticeship, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification, further education or employment is the right choice for them. VCAL students are more likely to continue training in the industry of their choice, do an apprenticeship, or get a job after completing Year 12.
VCAL provides students with practical work-related skills
As part of their VCAL program students can undertake structured workplace learning in industry. Students can also undertake a school-based new apprenticeship, TAFE course or components of VET certificates such as Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) or workplace communication skills.
VCAL provides students with industry-specific skills
VCAL offers ‘Themed’ programs specifically designed to further students’ learning in a particular industry area (but not a specific job). VCAL providers have offered themed VCAL programs in a number of industry sectors, including media, manufacturing, automotive, retail, sport and recreation, printing, tourism and hospitality.
VCAL programs are designed to meet the aspirations of students
VCAL is delivered as a certificate to Year 11 and 12 students. It is available at three certificate levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Senior, to match individual student learning capabilities.
To find out more information about VCAL call 1800 134 197 or visit www.vcaa.vic.edu.au.
More than 15,600 students studied VCAL in 2008 in 423 providers across Victoria, including schools, TAFE institutes and adult education centres.
